President's Message: Plenty of options for outdoor patio lighting
Outdoor patios are an extension of your home, perfect for gathering with guests, getting lost in a good book, or even working out.
But the fun shouldn’t stop when the sun goes down. You can spend more time doing what matters most by adding the perfect patio lights to your space. If you’re ready to shine some light on your outdoor space, here are five great options for outdoor patio lights.
How you illuminate your patio can depend on the overall design, your patio’s purpose and the amount of lighting you need. Here are some types of lighting options:
String lights and rope lighting – These small electric lights are placed along a cable and used indoors and outdoors. They're ideal for stringing along your patio and deck railing, in your tree branches, or along the walls of your home. You can purchase string or rope lighting with heavy-duty wiring and sockets for outdoor use.
Outdoor pendants – Also called “drop” or “suspender lights,” the hanging pendants are suspended by a cord or chain. They can instantly enhance your outdoor patio with little effort. Outdoor pendant lights are available in many sizes, including full-length, large, mini and lantern.
Outdoor table and floor lights – These options are decorative and functional ways to illuminate an outdoor living space. These lamps provide the perfect ambience for a family get-together or an intimate dinner – without blinding you.
Pathway lighting – Pathway lighting is best for illuminating a walkway that leads to your patio. You can also use pathway lights to brighten driveways and footpaths or as a simple and affordable way to accent your patio steps or highlight shrubbery and flowerbeds.
Uplighting – Uplighting is the effect when you place light fixtures on the ground and point them up to enhance specific landscape or architectural features. It’s a great way to emphasize your manicured landscape and garden in your backyard and shine a light on your patio area, too.
There are almost limitless creative techniques for setting up your patio lights, from DIY projects to energy-efficient lighting. Today’s top trends include high-level lighting with pre-strung and pendant lights, tabletop lighting with candles, DIY lanterns, and tabletop fireplaces.
DIY patio lights – Lighting your patio doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. There are plenty of ideas to help you get the same aesthetically pleasing outcome you see on Pinterest. Ideas include wire basket lighting, mason jar lanterns, recycled wine bottles, and even tin cans. Since the size and shape of lighting will vary, these creative touches can make the space your own.
Go for solar – Solar lighting is energy efficient and uses sunlight to recharge during the day, so there’s no fuss with unsightly cords or wiring, and no need for outlets. You can incorporate solar with a solar path light, solar LED deck post caps, solar LED floodlights, or solar string lights.
Illuminate shrubbery – There’s no reason you can’t enjoy your garden and shrubbery when the sun goes down. Consider weaving soft lighting within your bushes, shrubs and tree branches to create a warm look in your outdoor living space.
Consider Candles – Add romantic ambiance for any occasion with a simple yet decorative patio option. Place them on your outdoor tables or alongside the steps and walkways. Candles come in so many different sizes, shapes, colors and scents that the possibilities are almost endless.
Although the purpose behind patio lights is mostly to create a more pleasing environment, you’ll want to stay safe while enhancing and using the space. That means you’ll need to consider all safety measures before you start screwing in your light bulbs. Check power cords and inspect the lights before installing. Choose only lights rated for outdoor use to weather the elements. Avoid placing your patio lighting next to flammable materials. Turn off your lights when you’re not using them.
Kyle Oberlin is president of Stark Trumbull Area Realtors Association.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: President's Message: Plenty of options for outdoor patio lighting
